An Incident That Raises Controversy
Recently, an incident at a municipal swimming pool in Benicalap has sparked an intense debate on linguistic rights in the Valencian Country. Plataforma per la Llengua has decided to file a formal complaint with the Valencia City Council after the expulsion of a family who spoke Catalan while enjoying their day off.
The Facts: A Summer Afternoon
The incident took place on July 8, when a father and his children went to the municipal swimming pool at around 1pm. According to the family’s account, security personnel asked them to switch to Spanish, and when they refused, they were forced to leave the premises. The situation has been described by many as a clear example of Catalanophobia.
Facility Management
It is important to note that, although the pool is owned by the municipality, it is operated by Aquaval SL, a company that also manages other facilities in the city. This private management has raised questions about the application of language regulations in public spaces.
A Complaint of Linguistic Aggression
The Plataforma per la Llengua has reported that the father suffered a ‘linguistic attack’ when he tried to clean his children’s lunch boxes in the pool area. According to the organisation, the cleaning staff failed to offer adequate assistance, which led to a security guard intervening, demanding that the father speak in Spanish.
The Cry of the Community
The response from the community has been overwhelming. Many social media users have expressed their support for the family, stressing that the use of Valencian in a public space should be respected and promoted, not a reason for discrimination.
Reaction of the City Council
The council has defended its position, arguing that the expulsion was due to cleaning the lunch boxes in an area where other people were swimming, and not because of the language they used. However, this explanation has not satisfied many, who see in this situation a lack of respect for the Valencian language and culture.
Reflections on the Linguistic Future
This episode has highlighted the need for a more open and respectful dialogue on the use of Valencian in public spaces. As formal claims develop, it is clear that the fight for linguistic rights is an issue that will continue to generate debate in Valencian society.
